Jon Fitch fighting Johny Hendricks at UFC 141

Former welterweight title-contender Jon Fitch has been itching to get back into the Octagon after spending more than six months on the sidelines with an injured shoulder and it appears he’ll get his chance, albeit after a slightly longer wait.

Fitch was hurt while training for a July rematch with BJ Penn after the two fought to a draw at UFC 127 but had won five straight before the tie and subsequent shoulder issue. He holds an overall record of 23-3-1 and would almost certainly be in line for a title-shot were it not for his less-than aesthetically pleasing style. The 33-year old Indianan has won more than half of his fights by decision and hasn’t finished an opponent in more than four years. However, in-ring approach aside, Fitch is clearly one of the best 170-pounders on the planet with past victories over Thiago Alves, Paulo Thiago, Ben Saunders, and Diego Sanchez.

A former NCAA wrestling champion, Hendricks has emerged triumphant in back-to-back bouts and is 6-1 in the UFC with success against Charlie Brenneman and Amir Sadollah. Six of his wins have come via TKO.